The next Overwatch event is coming. The Year of the Dog brings a new map and will actually last longer!
In a new Developer Update, Overwatch’s Game Director, Jeff Kaplan, talked about the latest event in Overwatch. The “Year of the Dog” celebrates the start of the new year in the Chinese calendar and overall references the theme of the previous year’s “Year of the Rooster” event. This time, everything is focused on Capture the Flag. The team has developed a unique map specifically for this mode. Although no images of the map have been released yet, we already know that the map is set in Thailand and features a mix of ancient ruins and a modern city.
Year of the Dog lasts 4 weeks
To celebrate the Chinese New Year, the “Year of the Dog” event will this time be presented in an extended format. Instead of lasting just three weeks like other events, this event will be active for a full four weeks. The reason for this is that during these celebrations many families travel together and thus can hardly play. With the increased duration of the event, everyone should be able to enjoy more of the Year of the Dog.
For the players, this means in plain terms: More time to grab the special loot boxes!
Competitive Capture the Flag
Similar to the Summer Games, Overwatch will offer a special competitive mode for the duration of the “Year of the Rooster”. Those who wish can participate in ranked matches in “Capture the Flag” during the event to take the game mode more seriously.
The season lasts only four weeks but offers exclusive rewards like a spray logo, portrait, and an animated spray for the top 500 of each region.
Changes to Capture the Flag
With the new map, there are also changes to Capture the Flag that have long been requested by many fans.
- Flags will now be picked up immediately upon contact (no waiting time).
- Flag carriers cannot use certain movement and invulnerability skills (e.g., Winston’s jump), or they will drop the flag.
- There will be no more ties; instead, when time ends, a “sudden death” begins, where both flag points are moved closer to the center of the map.
6 new legendary skins
In addition, there are six new legendary skins to be earned. This will include one skin for Genji and one for Mercy, as well as a “very cool highlight intro” for another hero. However, as of now, there are no images of them.
The Year of the Dog starts on February 8, 2018 and will last four weeks, concluding on March 8, 2018.
Are you excited for the new event? Are you looking forward to Capture the Flag?
